LIN3070

Eastern Austronesian languages of Indonesia, East Timor and Oceania ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr. M Florey and Dr. A. Margetts

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: The unit introduces students to Eastern Austronesian languages and cultures of Indonesia, East Timor and Oceania, covering issues in linguistic structure (morphology, syntax), sociolinguistic, and anthropological linguistics. Students will learn about the linguistic structure of Eastern Austronesian languages as well as the history of the Austronesian language family and the dispersal of the Austronesian people through linguistic, archaeological, anthropological, and genetic evidence. The unit will discuss issues such as language contact (including with neighbouring languages groups of Indonesia and New Guinea), special registers, language endangerment and language socialization.

Objectives: After successfully completing this unit, students should be able to: 5. describe and analyse data from Austronesian languages of the Molucas and Oceania, 6. identify key features of the morphology, syntax and semantics of these languages, 7. discuss the relationship between languages in this geographical area and identify contact phenomena between them, 8. use linguistic, archaeological, anthropological, and genetic evidence to evaluate theories of the history of Austronesian languages and of the dispersal of the Austronesian people. More generally students are expected to develop their abilities to: v. use analytic and interpretative skills in dealing with language data vi. read critically vii. assess evidence supporting various theories and thereby evaluate these theories viii. present logical, coherent arguments both orally and in writing.

Assessment: Participation 10%, Class presentation equivalent to 700 words 20%, Take-home test equivalent to 800 words 30%, Research essay 3000 words 40%

Contact Hours: 1 two-hour seminar

Prerequisites: LIN 1010 and LIN 1020 OR ANY1010 and ANY1020 OR INM1010 and INM1020 OR INM1030 and INM1040

Prohibitions: LIN2070